The 2024 stock market year has just begun and the first reporting season is already upon us. This week, the first major companies will open their books and present their figures for the fourth quarter and for the entire year of 2023.

Traditionally, the US banks kick off the season. The DAX companies will then publish their fresh quarterly figures over the next few weeks. The indices could certainly receive some momentum from the first reporting season of the year. However, the development of interest rates is likely to be even more crucial in the coming weeks and months.

US big banks start the reporting season On Friday, some major US banks will present their figures for the past fourth quarter. These include Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase. BlackRock and Delta Air Lines will also open their books this week. Next week, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley will also report, among others.

In Germany, the reporting season traditionally starts a little later. After the reports from the US, the focus will initially be on SAP. The most valuable company in Germany by market value will publish its Q4 figures in the coming weeks. It won’t be until February that the current reporting season will really pick up speed in Germany.

First reporting season of 2024 could bring momentum The performance of companies is always an important benchmark for the stock market. In the first reporting season of the year, there is also the fact that in most cases, the previous year is coming to an end. At this point, the stock corporations also dare to give an outlook for the current year of 2024 – investors can therefore hope for momentum from the quarterly reports.

However, the focus of the markets remains on the interplay between inflation and interest rate development. If there is more concrete talk of possible interest rate cuts, this is likely to also boost the stock market. From an investor’s perspective, the coming months will remain exciting.